Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Work-Related Infringements of European Union Law (257 SE)
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The opposition is strongly criticizing the bill in its current form. It emphasizes that the list of violations is too narrow and fails to cover crucial areas such as corruption, and sees a danger in the excessive burden placed on businesses and local governments. It supports whistleblower protection but demands a thorough analysis and a separate vote on the bill's title. The Center Party faction does not support the current content of the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Main topics: the transposition of EU directives and their suitability for the Estonian legal system, the areas listed as infringements (environment, transport safety, financial markets, radiation protection, nuclear safety), and the role of hotlines as reporting channels. It refers to the lack of resources for analyzing the legal order and the role Estonia must play in integrating these directives. It mentions the visit of representatives of Korruptsioonivaba Eesti to the commission as a sign of hesitation regarding stakeholder engagement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Combative and critical in structure, often employing rhetorical questions and strong assertions. It utilizes formal modes of address, reiterates arguments against opposing claims, and emphasizes practical consequences (burden, confusion, copying). While the tone becomes emotional and skeptical, the treatment remains fact-based.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches delivered repeatedly on the same day (2024-05-08) during the second reading of the same procedure; emphasis was placed on process problems (the adoption of amendments, the possibility of a separate vote on changing the title). It refers to the third reading scheduled for next Wednesday and highlights the necessity of training and the involvement of experts. This demonstrates consistent, day-by-day speaking activity within the same procedural period.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents/critics are the government and the coalition, who are accused of adhering to a political decision and chasing the tail of amendments. He notes that coalition members voted in line with the government, which helps emphasize the opposition's insufficient influence in shaping these decisions. A specific portion of the criticism is directed at the Centre Party, and their inability to counter the draft bill has become the foundation for critical pressure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
An ostensibly ambiguous relationship regarding engagement and cooperation: it refers to the inclusion of stakeholders (a discussion) and the visit by representatives of Transparency International Estonia (Korruptsioonivaba Eesti), but accuses the committee and the coalition of conceding to demands and factually bundling the proposed amendments together. It shows no significant willingness for broad-based cooperation or seeking compromises, but rather emphasizes skepticism and a response directed at opponents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
National/State Focus: The speech centers on the Estonian legal system, economic and administrative burdens, and the context of a small state. It mentions the impact and associated burden on businesses, local governments, and state institutions, highlighting national priority as a pervasive theme.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically critical approach: emphasizes that the draft bill burdens businesses, local governments, and state institutions, while simultaneously increasing bureaucracy. It expresses concern regarding the lack of resources and the absence of thorough analysis, and skeptically views the purported economic benefits of "blind copying." It supports the reduction of costs and bureaucracy, as well as the review of proposals that would not place a burden on businesses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data. Social issues addressed in the drafts (abortion, LGBTQ+, immigration, gun laws, etc.) are not directly dealt with; there is no specific reference in the study regarding the social divide or cultural issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the issues arising during the second reading of Draft Law 257 SE and the review of the proposed amendments. It is emphasized that a separate vote on changing the title is not feasible without coordination with the amendments, and the risk of proceeding to a third reading is noted. Furthermore, the need for ongoing analysis concerning the compatibility of EU directives with Estonian law is highlighted, as is the substance of the draft bill, which restricts whistleblower protection exclusively to very specific violations.
3 Speeches Analyzed